PNP conducts disaster preparedness challenge

Representatives of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police distribute a copy of the 28-page Disaster Preparedness Manual to local government units and other partner-agencies and organizations on March 25 at the Tabacalera Function Hall in Laoag City during the provincial launching of the Oplan Listo program. The manual containing a checklist of early preparations in times of natural and man-made calamity hopes to assists LGUs in formulating disaster preparedness plans, allowing them to know if they are ready, and what they need to do to meet the minimum levels of readiness. Also in photo are: Officer-in-charge Julie Daquioag of the DILG Regional Office I, Provincial DILG officer Roger Daquioag and Major Randy Baoit, Bacarra chief of police. (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

San Fernando City, La Union—The eight-man Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) team of the La Union police have been adjudged as the champion in a just concluded disaster preparedness competition on March 17.

Dubbed as “Rehiyon Uno Panagsagana Contra Risgo ken Didigra (RPCRD) Challenge, police personnel from the four provinces in Region competed in the disaster preparedness challenge held at the parade ground of Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) and Union Galva Steel Coastal Ground.

Police Chief Supt. Roman A. Felix, police Regional Director, said the first runner-up was bagged by Ilocos Norte police followed by Ilocos Sur police as second runner-up and Pangasinan police placing third runner-up.

Aside from receiving trophy each, the champion received a cash prize of P20,000 while the first runner up received P15,000, P10,000 for second runner-up and P5,000 for third runner-up.

During the event, the teams competed in at least five categories. These are: search, rescue and retrieval physical fitness test which include proper handling of ladder and stretcher, one man carry, and life ring throwing; basic knot tying; first aid; boat handling, and water rescue.

As part of the capacity building efforts of the PNP to enhance the skills of police personnel and civilian counterparts in disaster preparedness, Mr. Felix said the competition is also a way of strengthening camaraderie and solidarity of the search and rescue teams in actual disaster operations.

For his part, Director Melchito M. Castro, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense Region 1 (OCDR1) and Chairman of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center 1 (RDRRMC1) expressed his gratitude to the PNP Regional Office for initiating the said competition which clearly manifests their sincere desire to save lives and properties.

He likewise stressed the value of sportsmanship in the said competition and emphasized that said event is not only meant for professional advancement but towards expression of compassion to fellow men in times of emergency situations.

“The PRO1 as member of RDRRMC1 and as frontline responder during disaster has a corporate responsibility to hone its own abilities in order to prepare for the worst disaster. Together, let us continually work as a team in order to have safer, adaptive and resilient Filipino communities towards sustainable development,” Mr. Castro added.

Empanada festival: A celebration of good taste and good life

By Dominic B. dela Cruz & Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporters BATAC CITY—If there is one thing Batac is truly proud of, it would be its famous empanada-making business that has nurtured its people over the years. Embracing a century-old culture and culinary tradition, Batac’s empanada claims to be the best and tastiest in the country with its distinctive Ilokano taste courtesy of its local ingredients: fresh grated papaya, mongo, chopped longganisa, and egg. The crispy orange wrapper and is made of rice flour that is deep-fried. The celebration of this city’s famous traditional fast food attracting locals and tourists elsewhere comes with the City Charter Day of Batac every 23 rd of June. Every year, the City Government of Batac led by Mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta commemorate the city’s charter day celebration to further promote its famous One-Town, One Product, the Batac empanada. Empanada City The Batac empanada festival has already become an annua

PGIN honors Ilocano heroes of past, present through Heroes Walk

SPO1 Allan Lampitoc Franco of Banna, Ilocos Norte and PO2 Jovalyn D. Lozano of Adams, Ilocos Norte receive a resolution of commendation, a certificate of college scholarship grant to their family members and a P20,000 cash incentive each from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte represented by Governor Imee R. Marcos and Vice Governor Angelo M. Barba in recognition of their bravery and heroic acts in the Mamasapano clash in Maguindanao on January 25. Mr. Franco and Mr. Lozano were recognized on March 10 in time for the unveiling of the second batch of Ilocano heroes at the Heroes Walk located along the Sirib Mile in Laoag City. (Lei Adriano) By Jennifer T. Pambid PGIN-CMO In honor of the heroes who brought freedom, fame and glory to the province as well as to the country in the past century, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Education Department and Sirib Youth Office launched the second batch of Ilocano Heroes Walk on March 10, 2015.

Pagudpud’s tourism transformer passes away

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr., owner of Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte passed away on Wednesday evening, July 11, 2018. He was 67. “He did not survive an open-heart surgery,” said Ronald Dominguez, spokesperson of the largest resort at Brgy. Balaoi in Pagudpud. Known as the architect behind the transformation of Pagudpud town as a premiere destination of the north, Mr. Nolasco put up Hannah’s Beach Resort in what was originally meant as a family vacation resort. The rest is history when it expanded into more than 300-room executive villas and cabanas, with on-going infrastructure developments and set up various amenities. As a result, hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists visit here daily. The resort is on a cliff by the beach, which provides a spectacular view of the sparkling blue lagoon. “Yesterday will go down my lifeline as one

The Ilocos Times

Search This Blog